~ Village Teacher – The Book & Photographs

Snowy Owls 2018

I photographed my first Snowy Owl in December 2013, and again in January 2014 and 2015. Then for two years in a row, it made itself scarce. There were reported sightings in New Jersey, but every time I went to those places it was nowhere to be seen.

This past Sunday, there were two Snowy Owls at the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. However, they were quite far, and there was no way to come nearer to them. I had to crop as much as 90% of the images, and the final results are disappointing.

I’ve read that there are sightings as far south as Washington DC. and there is a lot of pressure on these shy birds from people wanting to see one. It is a tough situation and hard to monitor. Fortunately, most birders are respectful.

You are right Eliza, about pressure from people on these owls. On this particular day, one of the owls finally had enough and hid itself behind a bush. Meanwhile, there were at least half a dozen photographers with heavy tripods and big long lenses pointed at that spot waiting for it to reappear. I don’t know if it ever did because I left since my lens was under-powered for that big distance.

There is something about them that captures attention more so than other birds. Maybe their rarity? Although they are starting to be pretty regular in winter. Maybe we can blame Hedwig from Harry Potter? 😉

But you saw it! And the second photo is quite interesting, in an odd way. I saw my first Snowy out at Jones Beach back in the 70’s. Before the days when people flocked to see birds – no internet! I think we just came across it. It was very exciting. I’m sure you’ll have more chances for closer views.